Stocks slip in September, Kraft Heinz split, Pepsi in play

US stocks open the month lower after August gains, with September historically the weakest month for equities. Gold prices hit a record as investors seek safety amid tariff uncertainty, after a federal appeals court struck down most of President Trump’s trade levies — a case now likely headed to the Supreme Court. Kraft Heinz (KHC) announces plans to split into two companies: Global Taste Elevation Co., housing brands like Heinz ketchup and Philadelphia cream cheese, and North America Grocery Co., home to Oscar Mayer and Lunchables. PepsiCo (PEP) faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which built a $4B stake and is pushing for changes. Meanwhile, Nestlé (NESN.SW) ousts CEO Laurent Freixe over a relationship with a subordinate, naming coffee division head Philippe Naël as his successor. Takeaways: Stocks dip as September begins, with gold surging to record highs Kraft Heinz to split into two companies, highlighting the big food breakups trend Elliott Management takes $4B stake in PepsiCo, presses for growth and margin gains Nestlé CEO ousted; leadership shifts amid industry headwinds Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [e-mail]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices